Kensington Palace glows green to mark one year since the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower

To mark one year since the tragic fire at the Grenfell Tower residential block, Kensington Palace was illuminated in green light.

In the early hours of June 14, 2017, a fire tore through the 24-floor housing block resulting in 72 people losing their lives. The building burned into the morning and became one of the worst fires the UK capital city has witnessed in over a century.

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Now, a year on, with an inquiry into what led to the tragedy underway, memorials are taking place and buildings have been lit up green – the colour which has become associated with the now desolate building.

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The East Facade of Kensington Palace, which is found in the same London borough as the tower block, was illuminated in the colour to mark the poignant anniversary and honour the victims. Other London landmarks including the London Eye, Cabinet Office and Downing Street also turned green.

A Historic Royal Palaces spokesperson told Harper's Bazaar: "From 1am until dawn this morning, Historic Royal Palaces – the independent charity which cares for the public side of Kensington Palace – illuminated Kensington’s famous East Façade green as a mark of respect for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire one year on. Joining buildings across the capital in support of #GreenforGrenfell, the palace will once again be illuminated this evening from dusk until midnight."

The remains of Grenfell itself was also lit up in the colour from 12.54 am – the time the fire was first reported – while relatives, friends and neighbours of those who died in the blaze attended nearby vigils. A minute's silence will also be held at midday today to mark the anniversary.

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Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other senior royals live in the residential wing of Kensington Palace.

The royal family have taken an active interest in supporting victims of the disaster, with Prince William and the Queen visiting the location shortly after the fire. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry donated to the emergency fund set up in the wake of the fire and also established an emotional support hub, under their Royal Foundation, to provide mental health support and care for those affected by the tragedy. The Duchess of Sussex has also reportedly been secretly meeting with Grenfell survivors and relatives of those who died.